February 3rd Important Update from National Association Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Download our Countryside Stewardship 2021 Flyer
The Countryside Stewardship scheme will shortly be open for applications with new Agreements starting on 1st January 2022. Why should Island farmers consider joining the scheme?
With the Government’s new policy on farming ‘The Path to Sustainable Farming: An Agricultural Transition Plan 2021 to 2024’ land management will be strongly focused on the environment alongside food production.
As the Basic Payment Scheme is phased out, late 2024 will bring the start of Environmental Land Management (ELM). For many, perhaps most, farm income from ELM will go some way towards replacing BPS. The message is clear. To bring Island farms in line with the ‘sustainable farming’ policy, agri-environment schemes will become the norm. Should farmers delay joining the Stewardship scheme this year and wait for ELM? The short answer is no unless the farm’s finances can forego environmental payments for several years. (Read more)_ >>>.